Wike asks Nigerians to be courageous, Obi wishes productive 2018

Rivers State Governor, Nyesom Wike, yesterday advised the people of the state to embrace the New Year with courage by keeping their hope alive.

In his New Year message, Wike noted that the challenges of development were great due to the harsh economic climate, but urged the people to renew their hope, as 2018 would yield good fruits.

His words: “It is always exciting to see out an old year and usher in a new one. Although, 2017 has been a very difficult year, we still have reasons to thank God for life and look forward with renewed hope for a better new year

“2018 will be another year of sustained execution of developmental projects across the state. Our administration will intensify efforts at keeping all campaign promises to the Rivers people.
 
“To this end, massive investments in infrastructure, access to education and training, quality healthcare and the creation of economic opportunities will remain some of our key priorities. 
 
“In so doing, no part of the state will be left behind just as we shall also ensure that every person is carried along on our way to building sustainable prosperity for us and our children.”

Wike said Rivers people would share the responsibility of building the state and country.

“Let us, therefore, continue to demonstrate the values of hard work, patriotism and integrity and strengthen our commitment to building a just, accountable and inclusive society of our dreams where nobody is left behind,” he said. 
 
Meanwhile, former Governor of Anambra State, Peter Obi has sent a goodwill message to Nigerians, saying he wished them a productive 2018.

In his New Year message made available to the press, Obi urged Nigerians and its leaders to focus their energy on improving the economy.

“Over four million Nigerians lost their jobs in 2017 and the unemployment rate increased from 14 per cent to 19 per cent. We also witnessed non-payment of salaries, contractors and suppliers all over the country all of which should be worrisome to us,” he said

Obi said the situation demands a declaration of a state of emergency on the economy.

He also prayed God to grant Nigerian leaders the wisdom to take the right decisions and make sacrifices that would let the country remain focused even when facing the vicissitudes of the time.